Jerry Allen Sweets, Jr.

Bishop J. Allen Sweets Jr. ThD, known by his family and friends as Allen, peacefully passed to his heavenly home on August 10, 2026, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, at the age of 59. He lived a life anchored in faith and defined by devotion—to God, to his family, and to the people he served. Those closest to him will remember a man who showed his love not only in words, but in steady presence, sacrifice, and care.

Early Life and Foundations:

Allen was born on July 15, 1967, in Casper, Wyoming, to the late Jerry Allen Sweets Sr. and Merry Kay Hunt-Sweets. He was raised in Casper, where he developed a strong work ethic, resilience, and a deep sense of responsibility that stayed with him throughout his life. He graduated from Kelly Walsh High School and continued his education, earning a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in Christian Counseling from Christ Apostolic Christian College . In 2025, he completed a Doctor of Theology (ThD) degree from Apostolic Holiness Christian College in Sioux City, Iowa.

From a young age, Allen showed athletic promise. He was awarded a varsity blanket for receiving over 10 varsity letters in the high school sports of track and field, wrestling, baseball and football! After high school, Allen pursued football opportunities at the University of Colorado Boulder and Augustana University. He attended various NFL professional football camps, and tried out for teams such as the Denver Broncos, Cincinnati Bengals, and Cleveland Browns. Rather than accepting paid positions on preseason rosters, Allen declined the opportunities because of the extensive time he would have to be away from his young family. As a result, in effort to support his family, Allen joined the United States Marine Corps in 1985, serving honorably until 1988.

Family and Personal Life:

A defining moment in Allen’s life came when he married the love of his life, Caroline S. Gilmore on March 10, 1985. Together, they planned and built a life grounded in faith, commitment, and perseverance. They were a prime example of what God intended for marriage. They cherished over 41 years of learning/loving each other while raising the family they both cherished.Family was one of Allen’s highest priorities. He remained closely involved in the lives of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, offering guidance, correction, encouragement, and steady support. He emphasized responsibility, wise choices, and living by strong principles. Allen often told everyone he loved to “reach for the stars” and “you can be a superstar!” He was also known for his personality—optimistic, creative, humorous, and adventurous. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling, bonfires, and time spent outdoors with his family.

Allen loved the landscape of the Wyoming Rockies and South Dakota Black Hills. In time, he purchased property in the mountains and often got away from the struggles of life with his family; some of his best memories are of the entire family enjoying time together at the Black Hills property affectionately known by everyone in the family as “the cabin.” Allen valued both everyday moments and meaningful milestones, whether cooking together, talking for hours, or sharing funny jokes and YouTube videos.

Allen had a natural ability to connect with people. His generosity was well known, and he constantly helped individuals and families in need. Above all, he wanted others to feel seen, valued, and understood. He was often heard encouraging people to “be a superstar” and continuously reminding others of their value by declaring, “Jesus died so that we could all have a voice! “

Faith and Spiritual Foundation:

Allen’s life was firmly rooted in faith. In 1982, he repented, was baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ and filled with the Holy Ghost, beginning a lifelong spiritual walk. His favorite Scripture, Jude 1:3, reflected his commitment to standing for truth and encouraging others to do the same. He believed the Word of God should be personally understood, not simply accepted, and he consistently encouraged others to seek truth for themselves. Allen believed the Gospel was for everyone, regardless of background or circumstance. His favorite hymn, “Are You Washed in the Blood,” reflected the foundation of his faith and teaching.

Ministry and Leadership:

Allen devoted much of his life to the ministry. Bishop Sweets was shaped by pastors of strong spiritual leadership throughout his life, including Presiding Bishop Jeremiah Reed ThD, Lord. DD, Presiding Bishop Terry Gilmore ThD, DD, Suffragan Bishop Wallace Gilmore, and Elder Don Gilmore; all of whom played important roles in his development as a servant of theAfter Presiding Bishop Terry Gilmore founded the church in Sioux Falls, Bishop Allen Sweets and his wife, Elect Lady Caroline Sweets, answered the call to relocate and serve the congregation of Jesus Only Apostolic Church of Truth for more than 27 years. Bishop Sweets faithfully served as pastor, with Elect Lady Caroline faithfully serving alongside him as they lovingly shepherded, supported, and cared for the assembly. Bishop Sweets also served as Diocesan Bishop in the Apostolic Faith Fellowship Organization Inc. (AFFOI) as the overseer of the South Dakota/Minnesota Region, offering leadership, mentorship, and spiritual guidance to many.

Legacy and Final Years:

Allen built relationships with many, leaving lasting impressions in every place he called home: Casper, Wyoming; Jacksonville, North Carolina; Sioux City, Iowa; and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He will be remembered for his optimism, creativity, humor, generosity, and ability to see potential in others. He taught responsibility, integrity, and the importance of teamwork & seeking truth—he lived those values daily.

A Life Remembered:

Allen’s life was not defined by titles or accomplishments, but by the people he loved and the faith he lived. He constantly showed up—for his family, for the precious saints of God, and for those who needed help—often quietly. His influence continues in the lives of his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and all who were shaped by his teaching, example, and care.

Allen is survived by his wife, Caroline S. Sweets; his children, Cory Chantell (Matt), Johnathan Allen (Lydie), Joseph Allen (Abbi), and Joshua Allen (Maggie); his 30 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; his siblings, Justin Sweets, Kristen Sweets, and Tanya Brigance; his beloved Uncle Gary Hunt, and a large extended family, church family, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jerry Allen Sweets Sr. and Merry Kay HuntSweets; his sister, Tracy Sweets; his maternal grandparents, Hazel Hale Hunt and Richard Hunt; and his paternal grandparents, Edna Mae Burton Sweets and Robert Sweets.

Allen loved deeply.  He gave freely.  He stood firmly un his faith. And leaves behind a lasting legacy.